Creative Quarter

The establishment of the Creative Quarter is an integral part of the overall strategy to regenerate Folkestone. The proposal is to establish a diverse and exciting creative area in Folkestone’s historic Old Town, a zone which has previously proved challenging to regenerate over many years. The area is characterised by empty and dilapidated properties, poor quality DSS housing and struggling businesses. The night-time economy gives rise to fear of crime and for many local residents it has become a no-go area.

The vision is to create a bustling street scene with artists studios, high quality offices for a range of creative businesses, shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, visitor attractions and homes attracting people from far and wide to participate in the creative experience by living, working, visiting and learning in the Creative Quarter.

The Creative Foundation is the driving force behind this change. It is a registered charity with the following core objectives:

• To take control of a critical mass of properties and sites.
• To renovate properties to a high standard.
• To let properties to companies and individuals in the creative industries and to ensure the area remains a creative zone in the long-term.
• To organise events, exhibitions, etc., to support the development of the CQ.

The Creative Foundation already controls in excess of 60 properties, predominantly along Tontine Street and the Old High Street. The 1.5 acre brownfield site, Payers Park, is also part of the portfolio. The Foundation works closely with the De Haan Charitable Trust and has also received funding from the Channel Corridor AIF, Kent County Council and Arts Council England.

The Creative Foundation has a waiting list of more than 70 individuals and business start-ups wishing to move into the Quarter as property becomes available.

SEEDA has established an Enterprise Gateway focussed on the creative industries, which is based in the Glassworks at the heart of the Creative Quarter. The Enterprise Gateway Director provides support, signposting and networking opportunities for start-up businesses in the area.

By the end of 2008 it is planned that 750 jobs in the creative industries and ancilliary services will have been created and sustained as a direct result of the Folkestone Creative Quarter. This is only the first phase and it is expected that this number will grow substantially over time.